Special Needs Pet Feature: Cagney

Posted by Barbara Techel

What is your pets name?

Cagney Brandon Ku’Ulako Holste J

How old is your pet?

He lived to be just a few months shy of 13 years old.

Where did you get your pet?

From a family in Hawaii whose two doxies had puppies

What is your pets physical challenge?

He had IVDD…lost the use of his back legs at age 6

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Cagney LOVED laying on the patio in the sun…just tanning and looking around.

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Rawhide bones with the jerky on the outside

What do you love most about your pet?

That he was always so sweet and loving…even when he was in pain.

What has your pet most taught you?

That you really can do anything in the name of love.

Anything else you’d like to share?

When Cagney was 6 years old he lost the use of his back legs suddenly. One minute he was trotting behind me to the mail box outside our house and the next minute he was yelping in pain and I had no idea why. The following days, nights, & weeks were one long blur as Cagney had to stay at the Vet’s Hospital for IVs and Xrays and all sorts of things. Sadly he did not regain the use of his legs and surgery was not an option due to the expense and the fact that the doctor only gave him a 50 – 50 chance for walking again. That never bothered Cagney though and didn’t slow his pace one bit. In no time he was able to scoot all over the house using just his front legs to get from place to place. He could scoot faster than some dogs could run! I eventually got him his own set of wheels from “Doggone Wheels” and that afforded him the opportunity to go outside on the sidewalks, the patio, and even to the beach. Cagney was such a good boy and was always upbeat and happy….wanting to snuggle and give kisses or play with anyone he came into contact with. 

I cared for him and tended to his special needs, which was quite diffficult initially and heartbreaking at times….but I did it out of sheer love for that little angel. A lot of adjustments had to be made but he was worth every one of them! When I moved from Hawaii to Portland, OR in 2007 Cagney flew with me. It was his first time on a plane but he took it like a brave boy….even when the airline baggage handlers “lost” him at one point. About 2 hours after my flight landed I finally caught up with him going round and round on another baggage claim carousel. He was peering out of his cage as if to say, “This has been fun but I’d like to get off now, please.” I was a complete wreck not knowing what had happened to him or where he was but as soon as I tracked him down and opened his kennel door he smothered me with kisses saying, “It’s ok….there’s nothing to worry about….I’m HERE!” 

For the next 2 years I continued to love & take care of that darling boy until, on the morning of March 31st, 2009, just as suddenly as he lost the use of his back legs, Cagney woke up and was unable to use his front legs. I took him to the Vet pretty much knowing what the outcome was going to be. There was nothing they could really do for him…and no “cure”. So I had to make that VERY difficult decision and help him get to the Rainbow Bridge. I held him for so very long and just sobbed telling him I was so sorry for what I had to do….it was extremely hard and still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. But Cagney lived a very good life and brought lots of happiness to me. His “disability” taught me so very much and I thank the Lord that I had him and all the experiences that having him brought into my life.


Thank you so much, Chops, Cagney’s dedicated Mom who took such good care of Cagney.  Your story resonated on so many levels for me… tears… laughter… love.  Thank you.  PS:  The picture of the two of you on the beach is absolutely priceless and needs no words as it speaks volumes.

If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact. Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.

Be PAWSitive Frankie Wristbands Now Available!

Posted by Barbara Techel


Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog has inspired thousands around the world since 2007 to be PAWSitive in the face of challenges, and to keep on rolling no matter what.  To celebrate that message we now have Frankie writstbands available: “Be PAWSitive and keep on rolling!”  Each side of the saying is stamped with a paw print.

Available in youth or adult size and only $2.00 each (plus shipping).  Be the FIRST among your friends to have your very own Frankie wristband! ORDER YOURS TODAY! (be sure to scroll 1/2 way down page)

As always, a portion of all proceeds of Frankie products is donated to charities and organizations that care for disabled animals.

John L. Hensey Students Meet Favorite Author & Dog Via Skype

Posted by Barbara Techel

Thank you to Brandon Schatsick of the Washington Times Reporter for covering the story of Mrs. Kim Burd’s early childhood class meeting me and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog via Skype.  I share the story below as seen in the Washington Times Reporter.


Photo by Washington Times

Students in Kim Burd’s class at John L. Hensey School were able to meet face-to-face with the author of one of their favorite books who lives in Wisconsin April 7; nevermind the fact that they met with more than 150 miles separating them.

Burd’s early childhood class recently finished reading “Frankie: The Walk ‘n Roll Dog” about a miniature dachshund who ruptured a disk in her back, becoming permanently paralyzed in that area. Frankie’s owner and author of the book, Barbara Techel found a dog cart for Frankie and decided to chronicle the every day life of a dog in said cart.

“It’s about a real animal with real challenges … the message is about never giving up and you have to put your best paw forward,” Burd said.

The class was able to meet with Techel and Frankie through the class’ new interactive board from PolyVision and a computer program called Skype.

Burd said it was all thanks to a grant that allows schools to implement new technology in the classroom.

“I just got this technology in my room and for me to be able to learn that with the children … they loved seeing everything very big on the wall,” Burd said of the projected Techel holding Frankie on the other end of the connection. “They wanted to go up and pet Frankie like she was actually there.”

Frankie, a trained therapy dog, often accompanies Techel as they visit hospitals and schools to teach people about overcoming challenges. Although Techel couldn’t make it to Washington, Burd, who uses Techel’s website www.joyfulpaws.com for teaching assistance with the book, thought it would be worth a shot to see if the two of them could set up a Skype date.

“Isn’t this great?” Techel said to the class, referring to the Internet meeting. “With Frankie being in a wheelchair … and Frankie’s almost 12 years old, for me to travel with her it’s not necessarily a good thing because I don’t want to over-stress her … I’m so glad we can meet kids like you via Skype.”

“She provides (lesson plans, etc.) for teachers to use her book as a learning tool … she’s made it very fun to want to do this as a teacher with the kids and all of the positive things you can teach them (through Frankie’s story),” Burd said. “(Meeting with her via Skype) was just the icing on the cake.”

During the meeting, kids asked questions about where Frankie sleeps (in bed with Techel and her husband), if his cart works in the grass (it works rather well actually, Techel said) and they showed her pictures they colored of Frankie.

 

Photo by Washington Times

“That looks like Frankie; you got the colors right and everything,” Techel said upon seeing them on her computer screen.

Techel then had a fashion show with Frankie putting on a couple of her favorite hats including a cowgirl hat, biker helmet and floppy summer hat.

“We’ve done all kinds of neat things, but to be able to visit with someone like that and make it a lesson, was very powerful to see that.”

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Teachers!  If you are interested in having us visit your classroom via Skype check out our free downloadable Skype e-book to help you plan a visit with us!  We’d love to meet you and your students.